The fact that black diamonds are located on the continents of South America and
Africa has been explained by the theory that at one time, the two were one land
mass. The supposition has also been proposed that the impact of a meteor could
have contributed to this continental division.

The mists of time have also surrounded black diamonds with contradictory myths
and beliefs. Indian legend has it that black diamonds represent Yama, the god of
death. In almost direct opposition is the Italian belief that the black diamond
is the stone of reconciliation – with the power to shore up relationships and
correct misunderstandings between couples.

For years, carbonadoes have been used in industry. We are all aware of the
familiar phrase, “industrial diamonds”. Because of their hardness, black
diamonds have proven eminently suitable for use in cutting tools and drill bits.
Whether black diamonds were formed by direct conversion of organic carbon under
high pressure in the Earth’s interior, much like conventional diamonds as some
contend, or by way of radiation produced by a spontaneous fusion of uranium and
thorium, as others contend, or by way of a meteorite, black diamonds have always
been in demand. It is only relatively recently that they have been deemed
desirable as jewelry. This development is due largely to the marketing campaign
by the De Beers organization.

Because of their many inclusions – criss-crossing scratches filled with sulfides
– which, in point of fact lead to the black color, black diamonds have been very
difficult to cut and subsequently polish. Once in a while, however, black
diamonds with fewer inclusions are turned up. These, of course, are easier to
deal with. Consequently, these more refined black diamonds command considerably
higher prices on the market.